THE government expects to resolve issues between the National Government and newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the creation of an intergovernmental body.

“Through this Intergovernmental Relations Body, we hope to achieve informed and constructive discussions aimed at exploring the best plausible solutions to transform points of differences into points of cooperation,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a speech during a meeting in Davao City on Monday, according to a statement.

Officials of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) met for the first time to discuss the terms of reference for the agency headed by Mr. Dominguez and Bangsamoro Minister Mohagher Iqbal.

“I am confident that we will be able to thresh out the protocols and procedures as we go along,” Mr. Dominguez said. “What is important is that we commence with the work of this vital institutional mechanism as well as move forward with the consolidation of all the institutions of regional autonomy.” — Beatrice M. Laforga

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